'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Inter Miami player Federico Redondo heaped praise on his teammate and countryman Lionel Messi after the latter's spectacular brace against Philadelphia Union on September 14. The 37-year-old, who returned to action from a long injury layoff, was instrumental in the 3-1 win for the Herons.
Messi had been sidelined after picking up an injury against Colombia in the Copa America final on July 14. Before the game against the Union, he hadn't suited up for an Inter Miami match since June.
Despite his absence, Tata Martino's side have maintained their position atop the Eastern Conference standings. Yet, Messi showed exactly what he brought to the side on his return from injury.
The Union took an early lead (2') and tried to control the game, but the Argentine maestro had other ideas. He unleashed a right-footed equalizer into the bottom left corner (26') and followed it up by sweeping Jordi Alba's cross into the bottom right corner (30').
He also teed up Uruguayan marksman Luis Suarez (90+8'), who put the icing on the cake and capped off a perfect evening for the Herons.
Redondo himself has struggled with a few knee injuries himself since his move to Inter Miami in February, making just five appearances alongside Messi. After the game against the Union, he was delighted with the Argentine icon's return, and expressed hope that he could share the pitch with the 37-year-old in the near future.
He said (via Inter Miami News):
"The story goes for Leo (Messi). The truth is that I’m not used to seeing him and having him on the field, so having him as a teammate is a pleasure, he is the greatest of all-time."
Despite his lengthy absence, Messi sits third on the MLS' goalscoring and assisting charts, with 14 strikes and 10 assists, respectively.
"I am a little tired" - Lionel Messi makes revelation after Inter Miami's 3-1 win over Philadelphia Union
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi revealed that he was a bit exhausted after making his return to football in a 3-1 win for Inter Miami over Philadelphia Union.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played a starring role, scoring twice (26', 30') and assisting Luis Suarez (90+8') to help his side come back from 1-0 down. However, the weather conditions in Miami seemed to have taken a toll on his fitness.
Speaking to Apple TV after the game, Messi said (via Inter Miami News):
"To be honest, I am a little tired, the humidity and heat of Miami doesn’t help, but I was very eager to come back, it had been a long time away from the field. Little by little I started training with the group, I felt good, and that is why we made the decision for me to start. I am very happy, very pleased."
Up next, Messi's Inter Miami will be seen in action against Atlanta United on September 18.
